Super-lightweight prospect Tanaka Saburi faces opponent with exact same record at Thunderdome 55

Super-lightweight prospects share identical records

Three-fight winning streak. A new State title. A Top 15 Australian ranking. Now “Tsabz” Tanaka Saburi is ready for his next challenge.

Perth fight fans are in for another explosive night when Dragon Fire Boxing returns to Metro City Arena on August 28 for the 55th edition of the iconic Thunderdome series.

One of the card’s most anticipated prospect battles will see local favourite and Australian #13-ranked Tanaka “Tsabz” Saburi (3-1, 2 KOs) step through the ropes against China’s Jingyang Chen (3-1, 2 KOs).

Saburi enters the contest full of confidence after putting together three consecutive victories and capturing the State Junior Welterweight Championship. Now, the rising Perth fighter believes the time has come to take another step towards the top.

The 19-year-old from Perth has done his homework on Chen and expects the Chinese prospect to arrive in Perth ready to deliver his best performance.

“I’ve got respect for Jingyang Chen,” Zimbabwe-born Saburi said. “He’s earned his place here and he’s accepted the challenge of stepping into the ring with me, so I’ll always respect that.

“Boxing is a dangerous sport and it takes a certain level of courage and commitment to get in there and put everything on the line.”

While Saburi has studied his opponent, he insists his preparation has remained focused on what he can control.

“I’ve watched what I need to watch and I’ve done my homework. I know he’s going to come prepared, and I’m expecting him to bring the best version of himself on August 28.

“I’m not underestimating him at all. That would be a mistake.

“But I also don’t spend too much time worrying about what my opponent is going to do. My focus has been on becoming a better fighter.”

For Saburi, that improvement has meant concentrating on the details — technique, conditioning, speed, timing and, perhaps most importantly, his mentality.

“When we’re in there, it’s about who can execute under pressure. It’s about who stays composed when things get uncomfortable and who can make the right decisions when they’re tired.

“I’m expecting a competitive fight and I’m preparing myself for every possibility. I respect Jingyang, but I’m coming into this fight with one objective — to win.”

Saburi describes his training camp as tough, demanding and exactly what he needed.

“There have been days where I’ve been exhausted, days where I’ve had to push through when my body didn’t want to cooperate, and days where I’ve had to remind myself why I’m doing this.

“But those are the moments that build you as a fighter.”

The 3-1 prospect says his biggest development may have come mentally, as he continues to understand the sport at a deeper level.

“I’m starting to understand the sport at a different level. Every fight teaches you something, and every camp gives you another opportunity to improve.”

The work has extended well beyond simply throwing punches in the gym.

“Tsabz” has focused on footwork, positioning, distance, timing, defence, combinations, conditioning and remaining composed when the pace rises.

He has also placed a major emphasis on discipline outside the gym.

“You can’t expect to become the fighter you want to be if you’re only serious when you’re inside the gym. Your recovery, your nutrition, your sleep, your mindset — everything matters.”

Now, as fight night approaches, Saburi believes the hard work is beginning to show.

“I’m not going to sit here and say the camp has been perfect because no camp ever is. What matters is that I kept showing up and kept putting the work in.

“Right now, I feel sharp. I feel fit. I feel confident. Most importantly, I feel ready.

“I’ve done the work. Now I just have to go out there and perform.”

Breaking into the Australian Top 15 has given Saburi plenty of satisfaction, but he isn't content to simply hold his position.

“It feels really good, especially because I know how much work has gone into getting to this point.

“Getting into the Top 15 in Australia is something I’m proud of, but I don’t see it as the destination. I see it as confirmation that I’m moving in the right direction.”

Saburi knows rankings can disappear just as quickly as they arrive, which is why he sees his current position as motivation rather than an achievement to rest on.

“I don’t want to just be ranked Top 15. I want to be Top 10. Then Top 5. Then I want to be fighting for major titles.

“I want to fight the best fighters available and test myself against people who can bring out the best in me.”

The immediate target, however, remains China's Chen.

“I know I still have a lot to prove. I’m not going to act like I’ve made it because I’ve entered the Top 15. I haven’t. I’m still building my career.

“For me, the ranking is motivation. Every position above me represents another goal.

“The goal for the rest of 2026 is to keep winning and keep progressing.

“I want to stay active, continue developing and put myself in the best possible position for bigger opportunities. I want to finish the year stronger than I started it.”

The young contender isn't interested in simply adding numbers to his record.

“I’m also at a point where I want to start having bigger conversations about titles and the top fighters in my division. I’m not interested in just collecting fights. I want meaningful fights.”

But before those bigger opportunities can arrive, there is one piece of unfinished business.

“The immediate focus is Jingyang Chen on August 28. That’s the only fight that matters to me right now.

“Once that job is done, then we look at what comes next.”

Saburi has nothing but respect for his opponent — but once the bell rings, friendship and respect will be left outside the ropes.

“Jingyang, I respect you for taking the fight.

“You’ve got a job to do and I’ve got a job to do. I know you’re going to come prepared, and I expect nothing less.

“I’m not going to disrespect you or talk down on you because I know what it takes to get into that ring. But when we step through those ropes, we’re both going to have the same goal.

“I’ve prepared for this moment, and I’m coming in with confidence.

“I hope you’ve had a great camp. I hope you’re ready. Because I’m going to be ready.

“On August 28, we settle it in the ring.

“To everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, I honestly can’t thank you enough.

“There are people who have been there since before anyone knew who I was. There are people who have supported me through the wins, the losses, the hard camps, the injuries, the sacrifices and all the things that people don’t see behind the scenes.

“There are early mornings, late nights, difficult sessions, dieting, running, sparring, recovery and a lot of moments where you have to choose discipline over comfort.

“And when you have people supporting you through all of that, it means everything.”

He wants fans to enjoy the journey as he continues to develop into the fighter he believes he can become.

“I’m still building. I’m still learning. I’m still developing as a fighter.

“I’m not claiming to be the finished product because I’m nowhere near it.

“There’s a lot more to come.

“So to everyone who’s been following me — thank you. Keep supporting, keep sharing, keep watching and keep believing.

“August 28 is another chapter.

“Jingyang Chen is in front of me, and I’m ready for the challenge.

“This is bigger than one fight. This is about building something. This is about the journey.

“And I’m only getting started.”

THUNDERDOME 55

Tanaka “Tsabz” Saburi vs Jingyang Chen
August 28 — Metro City Arena, Perth
Dragon Fire Boxing — Thunderdome 55
Tickets: Megatix Australia
Live Broadcast: Live Combat Sports